How to Grow Perpetual Spinach Lucullus
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Perpetual Spinach Lucullus
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
vegetablePerpetual Spinach (also called chard) is a leafy green vegetable with large, deeply crinkled leaves and prominent white or colored midribs. Unlike true spinach, it is more heat and bolt-resistant, making it suitable for extended harvests across seasons. The 'Lucullus' variety is prized for its tender, savoyed leaves and reliable production.
When should you plant Perpetual Spinach Lucullus in your zone?
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Example Perpetual Spinach Lucullus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perpetual Spinach Lucullus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Perpetual Spinach Lucullus
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perpetual Spinach Lucullus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; performs well as a cool-season crop but tolerates heat better than true spinach
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Get my Perpetual Spinach Lucullus timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-14 days. Small seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons, followed by the first true leaves with prominent veining.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple large, savoyed leaves with thick white or colored midribs and stems. Foliage becomes increasingly crinkled and ornamental.
Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch to regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. Pinch off any flower buds to encourage leaf production.
Mature Foliage / Early Harvest
4-6 weeks (or longer with succession plantings)Outer leaves reach full size (8-10 inches long) with tender texture and sweet flavor. Plant is bushy and productive.
Begin harvesting outer leaves from the base while keeping the growing center intact. This encourages continuous production. Side-dress with compost if growth slows.
Peak Production & Maintenance Harvest
6-12+ weeks (extends into fall/winter in cooler zones)Plant enters a sustained productive phase, generating new leaves continuously from the center crown. Leaves remain tender if regularly harvested.
Harvest 1-2 times per week, removing outer leaves from the base. Water consistently, especially in warm weather. Feed with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4 weeks to sustain vigor.
Decline / Flowering (End of Season)
Variable; typically 2-4 weeks before severe declineAs days shorten or temperatures cool significantly, plant growth slows. Flower stalks may emerge from the crown, signaling the end of peak productivity.
Continue harvesting quality leaves as long as they are tender. Remove flower buds if leaf production is still desired. Plan succession plantings for continuous supply.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; insecticidal soap or neem oil for larger infestations; encourage natural predators
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Remove affected leaves promptly; use row covers in early season; spinosad or neem oil sprays; parasitic wasps provide biological control
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or sulfur; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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and
Hand-pick, especially at night; copper tape barriers; beer traps; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Sautéed, Raw & Cooking Greens
CulinaryPerpetual Spinach Lucullus is mild and tender, ideal for sautéing with garlic and olive oil, adding to salads, or blending into soups. The thick stems are edible and slightly sweet when cooked. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
CulinaryRich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate, plus minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium. Contains beneficial polyphenols and oxalates (which can be reduced by cooking). [source]
Dye Production
HouseholdThe leaves and stems can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, particularly yellows, greens, and umbers depending on mordant used. [source]
Traditional Wellness Support
MedicinalHistorically used in herbal traditions to support digestion and provide detoxifying properties. Contains compounds with antioxidant potential, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Attractor
WildlifeWhen flowering is allowed, chard blooms attract bees and other pollinators. Provides early-season forage and habitat for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when 4-6 inches long (approximately 40-50 days after sowing) by cutting at the base or peeling gently from the plant. Leave the central crown intact to promote continued growth. Regular harvesting (2-3 times per week) encourages tenderness and productivity. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and moisture content. In hot climates, harvest before midday to avoid wilting. Can be continuously harvested for 2-4 months, depending on season and climate. Cut entire plant at soil level for a final flush if growth is declining, and it may regrow if cut before flowering begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perpetual Spinach is not true spinach (Spinacia oleracea) but rather a variety of chard (Beta vulgaris). It earned the 'Perpetual' name because it produces continuously for months without bolting in warm weather, unlike true spinach which quickly runs to seed.
- 🌱 The 'Lucullus' variety was named after the Roman general Lucullus, famous for his lavish feasts and appreciation of fine food—a fitting tribute to this elegant and productive green.
- 🌱 Chard is remarkably cold-hardy and can survive light frosts. In milder climates, it can be overwintered and harvested year-round, making it one of the most reliable perennial-like vegetables for the kitchen garden.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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